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Hi. I just want to revisit this discussion because I am starting to have issues with my port. 

I had a chest power port inserted in January 2023. This port allows for chemo, CT injection, blood draws. Note: all port procedures have to be done by a nurse (ie phlebotomist, CT tech, etc., cannot access the port - it has to be an RN). I have had instances where a nurse is not available to do the port access so my veins had to be accessed and, like many of you, not a good option for me.

Now my port is acting up. The saline flush goes in well but they sometimes have difficulty getting the blood draw out. Sometimes the blood will start then turn into little drips entering the vial. We've found some tricks to help - reposition needle,  arms in the air, turn head and cough, don't look down, plunger the blood out to fill the tubes, reflush and try again…of course, hydration is important as well.

I've asked nurses about this and they say some people go years without issues.

I absolutely love my port and cannot imagine my life without one. I'm going to call hospital where I had my port inserted to ask about replacing it. Don't know if I will replaceor not…

Has anyone had a replacement port inserted due to similar issues? 

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Oh my goodness @GloHo. I hope they are able to replace your port. The logical side of my brain says they should however I know nothing about them. I'm holding onto positive port replacement thoughts for you. 🤞

#Treatmentandsideeffects

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2025 20:17
From: GloHo
Subject: Button port pros and cons for chemo infusions?

Hi. I just want to revisit this discussion because I am starting to have issues with my port. 

I had a chest power port inserted in January 2023. This port allows for chemo, CT injection, blood draws. Note: all port procedures have to be done by a nurse (ie phlebotomist, CT tech, etc., cannot access the port - it has to be an RN). I have had instances where a nurse is not available to do the port access so my veins had to be accessed and, like many of you, not a good option for me.

Now my port is acting up. The saline flush goes in well but they sometimes have difficulty getting the blood draw out. Sometimes the blood will start then turn into little drips entering the vial. We've found some tricks to help - reposition needle,  arms in the air, turn head and cough, don't look down, plunger the blood out to fill the tubes, reflush and try again…of course, hydration is important as well.

I've asked nurses about this and they say some people go years without issues.

I absolutely love my port and cannot imagine my life without one. I'm going to call hospital where I had my port inserted to ask about replacing it. Don't know if I will replaceor not…

Has anyone had a replacement port inserted due to similar issues? 

-------------------------------------------

@Alwayslearning

Thanks. I'm going to call the hospital that did the procedure to see what's possible/involved in getting a replacement. Probably not allowed minor surgery during trial so may not even be an option. We have work arounds…so I'm good for now. 😵‍💫

Oh my goodness @GloHo. I hope they are able to replace your port. The logical side of my brain says they should however I know nothing about them. I'm holding onto positive port replacement thoughts for you. 🤞

#Treatmentandsideeffects

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2025 20:17
From: GloHo
Subject: Button port pros and cons for chemo infusions?

Hi. I just want to revisit this discussion because I am starting to have issues with my port. 

I had a chest power port inserted in January 2023. This port allows for chemo, CT injection, blood draws. Note: all port procedures have to be done by a nurse (ie phlebotomist, CT tech, etc., cannot access the port - it has to be an RN). I have had instances where a nurse is not available to do the port access so my veins had to be accessed and, like many of you, not a good option for me.

Now my port is acting up. The saline flush goes in well but they sometimes have difficulty getting the blood draw out. Sometimes the blood will start then turn into little drips entering the vial. We've found some tricks to help - reposition needle,  arms in the air, turn head and cough, don't look down, plunger the blood out to fill the tubes, reflush and try again…of course, hydration is important as well.

I've asked nurses about this and they say some people go years without issues.

I absolutely love my port and cannot imagine my life without one. I'm going to call hospital where I had my port inserted to ask about replacing it. Don't know if I will replaceor not…

Has anyone had a replacement port inserted due to similar issues? 

-------------------------------------------

Hi @GloHo did you ever get an answer on possible port replacement?

@Alwayslearning

Thanks. I'm going to call the hospital that did the procedure to see what's possible/involved in getting a replacement. Probably not allowed minor surgery during trial so may not even be an option. We have work arounds…so I'm good for now. 😵‍💫

Oh my goodness @GloHo. I hope they are able to replace your port. The logical side of my brain says they should however I know nothing about them. I'm holding onto positive port replacement thoughts for you. 🤞

#Treatmentandsideeffects

Original Message:
Sent: 08-15-2025 20:17
From: GloHo
Subject: Button port pros and cons for chemo infusions?

Hi. I just want to revisit this discussion because I am starting to have issues with my port. 

I had a chest power port inserted in January 2023. This port allows for chemo, CT injection, blood draws. Note: all port procedures have to be done by a nurse (ie phlebotomist, CT tech, etc., cannot access the port - it has to be an RN). I have had instances where a nurse is not available to do the port access so my veins had to be accessed and, like many of you, not a good option for me.

Now my port is acting up. The saline flush goes in well but they sometimes have difficulty getting the blood draw out. Sometimes the blood will start then turn into little drips entering the vial. We've found some tricks to help - reposition needle,  arms in the air, turn head and cough, don't look down, plunger the blood out to fill the tubes, reflush and try again…of course, hydration is important as well.

I've asked nurses about this and they say some people go years without issues.

I absolutely love my port and cannot imagine my life without one. I'm going to call hospital where I had my port inserted to ask about replacing it. Don't know if I will replaceor not…

Has anyone had a replacement port inserted due to similar issues? 

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